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CVE Record

CVE-2021-33123: Improper access control in the BIOS authenticated code module for some Intel(R) Processors may allow a priv...

Improper access control in the BIOS authenticated code module for some Intel(R) Processors may allow a privileged user to potentially enable aescalation of privilege via local access.

HighCVSS 7.8Not KEV-listedUpdated
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Glexia's TakeAutomated analysishigh

Security readout for executives and security teams

Plain-English summary

CVE-2021-33123 is a high-severity local privilege escalation issue in the BIOS authenticated code module for some Intel processors. An attacker already needs local access and some privileges, but successful exploitation could raise control over confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Executive priority

Treat as a high-priority firmware risk, but not an internet-remote emergency based on the supplied evidence. Prioritize validation and vendor firmware review for critical Intel-based systems, especially those supporting sensitive workloads or shared administrative access.

Technical view

The CVE describes improper access control in a BIOS authenticated code module affecting some Intel processors. CVSS 3.1 is 7.8: local attack vector, low complexity, low privileges required, no user interaction, and high impact to confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Likely exposure

Exposure is limited to systems using affected Intel processors and relevant BIOS or firmware components. The bundle does not list exact processor models or firmware versions; teams must compare assets against Intel SA-00601 and any vendor-specific guidance, including NetApp where applicable.

Exploitation context

The provided sources do not show CISA KEV listing or other evidence of active exploitation. The weakness requires local access and an already privileged user, so it is most concerning on shared systems, compromised endpoints, or environments where attackers can first gain lower privileged access.

Researcher notes

The bundle lacks affected-version details, CWE mapping, and explicit remediation text beyond references. Do not assume exploit availability or broad product impact. The key research task is mapping Intel SA-00601 affected processor and firmware scope to deployed assets.

Mitigation direction

  • Review Intel SA-00601 for affected processor and firmware details.
  • Check OEM system vendor guidance for BIOS or firmware updates.
  • Review NetApp advisory if NetApp products are in scope.
  • Prioritize high-value systems with local user access or shared administration.
  • Apply only vendor-supported remediation once applicability is confirmed.

Validation and detection

  • Inventory Intel processor models and current BIOS or firmware versions.
  • Compare asset inventory against Intel SA-00601 affected entries.
  • Check OEM and NetApp advisories for product-specific applicability.
  • Confirm whether local privileged access exists on exposed systems.
  • Document patched, not affected, and pending systems separately.
Prepared
Confidence
medium
Sources
4

Public sources used

Generated from the cited source records. This long-tail analysis has not been individually reviewed by a named human.

Potential ATT&CK relevance

Conservative CVE-to-ATT&CK context

These mappings and lookup hints may be relevant to the vulnerability behavior, CWE, affected product, or exposure path. Glexia-inferred context is not an official MITRE, ATT&CK, CWE, or CVE Program mapping.

ATT&CK lookup starting points

Use these exact CWE pages and searches to review the Glexia ATT&CK library from this CVE's weakness and description context.

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CVE-2021-33123 mapping review

Open the CVE-to-ATT&CK bridge for reviewed, inferred, or future official mappings tied to this CVE.

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Vulnerability profileCVE Program record
Severity
High
CVSS
7.8 (3.1)
Known Exploited
No
Published

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Official CVE source material

CNA and ADP enrichment extracted from CVE v5

These fields come from the CVE record and ADP containers, not from Glexia's Take. They preserve time-varying source decisions such as CISA SSVC, KEV status, CVSS metrics, and provider references.

1CVSS vectors
0Timeline events
0ADP providers
3Source links

CVSS vector scores

1 official score

We collect every scored CVSS vector available in the official CNA and ADP containers. When more than one version is present, the table keeps the source vectors side by side instead of collapsing them into the highest score.

ScoreVersionSeverityVectorExploitImpactSource
7.8CVSS 3.1HighCVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H1.85.9Primary CVE score

Vulnerability scoring details

Base CVSS 3.1 score

7.8High
CVSS 3.1 vector shape for CVE-2021-33123Attack VectorAttack ComplexityPrivileges RequiredUser InteractionScopeConfidentiality ImpactIntegrity ImpactAvailability Impact

Vector: CVSS:3.1/AV:L/AC:L/PR:L/UI:N/S:U/C:H/I:H/A:H

Attack Vector
NetworkAdjacentLocalPhysical
Attack Complexity
LowHigh
Privileges Required
NoneLowHigh
User Interaction
NoneRequired
Scope
ChangedUnchanged
Confidentiality Impact
HighLowNone
Integrity Impact
HighLowNone
Availability Impact
HighLowNone

Source materials

Affected products

Products and packages named in the record

VendorProductVersion / packageStatus
n/aIntel(R) ProcessorsSee referencesListed
Weakness

CWE details

No CWE listed

CWE links open Glexia weakness intelligence pages with official CWE context, developer remediation guidance, and related CVE mappings.